Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 19: The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) headed by Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam in its 109th meeting cleared 13 proposals of urgent developmental and public importance, on the specified terms and conditions.
The proposals cleared today include use of forest land for construction of PMGSY roads across various Forest Divisions, up-gradation of 4-Lane Jammu-Akhnoor section of NH 144 A, 220 KV Double Circuit Amargarh-Transmission Lines associated with Kishenganga HEP, 132 KV D/C Ramban to Sangaldan Transmission Line, Ichoo Mini HEP and Mawar – Ahlan Mini HEP in Anantnag and other critical infrastructure.
While reiterating the directions for ensuring minimum felling of trees and undertaking compensatory afforestation over alternate land in lieu of diversion of forest land, Chief Secretary stressed upon strict supervision and monitoring of approved works in the forest areas. He asked Member Secretary, FAC to bring a proposal on setting up of an effective and robust monitoring mechanism for observance of all FAC conditions in future cases.
He directed the Forest Department to submit a report within a month to elucidate whether the specific terms and conditions in respect of the cases cleared by the FAC during the last 8 years have been duly satisfied.
Chief Secretary emphasised upon user agencies to consult the officers of the Forest department at the project conceptualization stage, to ensure working out proposals which involve minimum felling of tress and preservation of flora and fauna.
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